Glossary of Terms 

Accommodations - supports or services provided to help a student access the general curriculum and validly demonstrate learning.

Adaptations - any procedure intended to meet an educational situation with respect to individual differences in ability or purpose.

Annual Goal - a statement in a student's Individual Education Program (IEP) that describes what a child with a disability can reasonably be expected to accomplish within a 12-month period in the student's special education program. There should be a direct relationship between the annual goals and the present levels of educational performance.

Competencies - a competency is a learned student performance statement which can be accurately repeated and measured. Competencies function as the basis for building the instructional program.

Extended School Year Services - special education and related services provided to a student with a disability beyond the normal school year of the public agency, in accordance with the child's IEP, and at no cost to the parents of the child.

General Curriculum - the standards and benchmarks adopted by a Local Education Agency (LEA) or schools within the LEA that applies to ALL children. It is applicable to children with disabilities as well as non-disabled children and related to the content of the curriculum and not to the setting in which it is used. It is the basis of planning instruction for all students.

Individualized Education Program (IEP) - a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised.

Instructional Services - specially designed instruction and accommodations provided by instructional personnel to eligible individuals.

Least Restrictive Environment - to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled.

Modifications - changes made to the content and performance expectations for students.

Performance Standards - standards that specify how good is good enough and describe at least three levels of student performance.

Present Level of Educational Performance - an evaluation and a summary statement which describes the student's current achievement in the areas of need.

Progress Monitoring - a method of monitoring a student's progress that enables the IEP team to discern whether changes need to be made in the IEP.

Related Services - developmental, corrective, and other services required to assist an individual with a disability to benefit from special education.

Review & Revision of IEP - An annual meeting to conduct meetings to review each eligible individual's IEP and revise its provisions if appropriate.

Supplementary Aids & Services - services provided in order for an eligible individual to be served in the general education classroom, which may include intensive short-term specially designed instruction; educational interpreters; readers for individuals with visual impairments; special education assistant; special education assistants for individual with physical disabilities for assistance in and about school, and for transportation; materials; and specialized or modified instructionally related equipment for use in the school.

Support Services - specially designed instruction and activities which augment, supplement, or support the educational program of eligible individuals.

Transition - a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability designed to promote the transition from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.

Vocational Education - organized educational programs directly related to preparing an individual for paid or unpaid employment, or for additional preparation for a career requiring other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree.